Blesbok - or is it bontebok?

No, we're not back in South Africa.  

We were visiting a new wildlife reserve that has opened near Kings Lynn - Watatunga.  We had a guided drive - each family unit was driving their own electric buggy, but the group of four buggies was led by the manager of the reserve.  We didn't see much that was startling, and even less that was photographable, but it was a lovely gentle day out with much to see and ponder upon as our guide pointed out species that are on the brink of extinction.  

Our guide, who was pretty knowledgeable, identified this and his fellow buck as blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) - but did hedge his bets by saying that blesbok and bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) have been much interbred.  Blesbok and bontebok are two subspecies that developed when they were separated by the Karoo - the blesbok in the highveld, the bontebok in the fynbos and renosterveld of the Western Cape.  Both subspecies were driven to the brink of extinction by overhunting.  When I used Google to get more information this evening, the consensus of the websites I visited suggests that the white blaze on the forehead of the blesbok should be separated from the white on the rest of the face, whereas in the bontebok (as in this guy) it is continuous.  Oh well - whichever he is, he's quite handsome.

The reserve specialises in deer and antelopes - mainly those which are under threat or even extinct in the wild.  They also have several lakes with various water birds, and in the wooded areas are pheasants.  They also have cranes and storks, and are part of the breeding programme to return great bustards to the wild in England.  I've added a photo of one of these birds in extras, but more for a record than because it is a good photo!  As you can see, there's a hefty fence between him and us - just as well, as apparently he's quite aggressive!

For anyone in the area, I reckon they are a cause worth supporting, and you will enjoy your visit.